Volunteers win opening baseball game

February 20, 2012

COLUMBUS â€“ It may be a night that Starkville Academy baseball player Hunter Bolin never forgets.

Bolin recorded the win on the mound and was the only Volunteer with multiple hits for SA in a 4-3 victory over Heritage Academy Monday night.

The Vols jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after picking up a run in the first inning and the second.

The Patriots fought back and took a lead after posting a three spot on the board in the bottom of the third inning.

The Volunteers had chances in the fourth and fifth inning to tie or retake the lead, but were unable to get a hit with runners in scoring position.

"We hit a lull there for a minute," Starkville Academy head coach Neal Henry said. "In the third, fourth and fifth innings we had runners in scoring position but were unable to get them in. Before the sixth innings the players met in front of the dugout, with out the coaches calling the meeting. Then Bolin came through with a big hit."

Drew Pellum started the game, and gave up all three Patriot runs.

Bolin came in relief in the fourth inning and pitched shutout out ball.

Both teams committed five erros. The Vols lead the way with five hits, while Heritage recorded four. Starkville Academy left eight on base and the Patriots stranded 12 runners.

The Volunteers are now 1-0 for the season and will be back in action Thursday night when they play host to Oak Hill Academy.

The junior varsity game will begin at 4 p.m., with the varsity game set to start at 6 p.m.